| (a) | mechanisms, systems and procedures to attain compliance with ambient air quality standards; |
| (b) | mechanisms, systems and procedures to give effect to the Republic’s obligations in terms of international agreements; |
| (c) | national norms and standards for the control of emissions from point and non-point sources; |
| (d) | national norms and standards for air quality monitoring; |
| (e) | national norms and standards for air quality management planning; |
| (f) | national norms and standards for air quality information management; and |
| (g) | any other matter which the Minister considers necessary for achieving the object of this Act. |
| (2) | National norms and standards established in terms of subsection (1) must be aimed at ensuring— |
| (a) | opportunities for public participation in the protection and enhancement of air quality; |
| (b) | public access to air quality information; |
| (c) | the prevention of air pollution and degradation of air quality; |
| (d) | the reduction of discharges likely to impair air quality, including the reduction of air pollution at source; |
| (e) | the promotion of efficient and effective air quality management; |
| (f) | effective air quality monitoring; |
| (g) | regular reporting on air quality; and |
| (h) | compliance with the Republic’s obligations in terms of international agreements. |
(3) The national framework—
| (a) | binds all organs of state in all spheres of government; and |
| (b) | may assign and delineate responsibilities for the implementation of this Act amongst— |
| (i) | the different spheres of government; and |
| (ii) | different organs of state. |
| (4) | An organ of state must give effect to the national framework when exercising a power or performing a duty in terms of this Act or any other legislation regulating air quality management. |
(5) The national framework—
| (a) | may differentiate between different geographical areas; |
| (b) | may provide for the phasing in of its provisions; |
| (d) | must be reviewed by the Minister at intervals of not more than five years. |
(6)
| (a) | Before publishing the national framework, or any amendment to the framework, the Minister must follow a consultative process in accordance with sections 56 and 57. |
| (b) | Paragraph (a) need not be complied with if the framework is amended in a non-substantive way. |
